A seven-year-old schoolgirl with a “beautiful soul” has been named as the Welsh child who died after contracting an invasive form of the Strep A infection. Hanna Roap, a pupil at Victoria Primary School in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, died within 24 hours of becoming ill with the infection.
She is one of four children in the UK to have died in the last week after contracting the bacterial infection. Health officials are understood to have seen a slight rise in cases of Strep A, which can cause scarlet fever, though deaths and serious complications from the infection are rare.
Hannas’ parents say their hearts have been “broken into a million pieces” by the tragedy. Mum Salah and dad Abul, both 37, said: “As most of you will be wondering what the cause of death was and to prevent misinformation, Hanna passed away as a result of contracting Strep A. It all happened suddenly (within 24 hours).”
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The couple, who have an elder daughter, thanked neighbours and the school for the support since Hanna died. “Thank you to everyone for your overwhelming support. Thank you for all the flowers, cards, and donations. Thank you for all the hugs and tears. Your kindness reminds us that there is good amongst immense tragedy.
“We are sorry we have not responded to any messages, texts, emails, and calls. Sorry if we are unable to make eye contact if we see you walking by. Our hearts have been broken into a million pieces. Our only priority is the welfare of Hanna’s eight-year-old sister and best friend.
“We have been stunned by the volume of donations we have received. We were not expecting this. This is testament to the wonderful caring people of Penarth. We will be donating all of this to charity.” More than £2,000 has been raised so far in an online collection. Prayers have been said at 560-pupil Victoria Primary following her death on November 25.
She passed away on November 25 after contracting the invasive infection that has symptoms including high fever, vomiting and a sore throat.
A joint statement the school and Vale of Glamorgan Council said support is being provided to staff and pupils. The statement, issued on Thursday, said: “Earlier this week it was confirmed that a pupil from Victoria Primary School had tragically passed away after contracting Strep A. Both the school and council would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to the family at this incredibly difficult time.
“Support is being provided to staff and pupils by the council’s team of educational psychologists and information from Public Health Wales has been circulated to parents where appropriate. It is unlikely that other pupils will be affected by the illness and severe symptoms are extremely rare. Sensible precautions such as regular hand-washing and not attending school when ill can reduce the risk of infection.
“If someone who has been in contact with an individual with Strep A develops any of the following symptoms: high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body, redness at the site of a wound, vomiting or diarrhoea, a sore throat or tonsillitis, a mild skin infection such as impetigo or a rash, they should contact their GP immediately.”
There is no suggestion that the deaths around the UK are connected or that there is any outbreak at Victoria Primary School. Public Health Wales is working with the school to raise awareness of invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAs) disease.
Dr Ardiana Gjini, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, said: “Although it is unlikely that their child will be affected by iGAS infection relevant individuals are being advised that they should familiarise themselves with the symptoms and what to do if these symptoms occur. Contracting iGAS disease from a contact is very rare. Most people who come into contact with Group A Streptococcal infection remain well and symptom-free or develop mild throat or skin infections.”
Public Health Wales has reminded parents to consider nasal flu vaccine for their children where appropriate. Dr Gjini added: “Public Health Wales is working with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the Vale of Glamorgan Council following the death of a pupil at Victoria Primary School, Penarth.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected. Public Health Wales cannot comment on individual cases and we ask that the privacy of the family is respected.”
Health officials on Friday confirmed a youngster from St John’s School in Ealing, west London, had died from the bacterial infection while the parents of a four-year-old boy from Buckinghamshire said he had died from Strep A. Last week a six-year-old died after an outbreak of the same infection at a school in Surrey.
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